Questions and answers.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 11 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- W58RGZ-25-RFI-AESA
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file related to a Request for Information (RFI) for an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar demonstration on an AH-64 Apache helicopter. The Q&A provides critical technical details about mounting and integration requirements, including strict constraints such as mounting only on the right-hand outboard wing station (Pylon 4), maintaining a 500 lb weight limit, and adhering to a +/- 1-inch center of gravity tolerance.
Key technical clarifications include specifications on littoral target scenarios (small vessels in sea states 0-1), airworthiness record processes, and equipment mounting limitations. The government is seeking AESA radar technologies with capabilities like fire control, pilot aids in degraded visual environments, obstacle detection, terrain following/avoidance, and shoreline mapping. The RFI encourages vendors to respond even if they can only provide a subset of desired capabilities, with the ultimate goal of developing AESA radar technologies for multiple rotary and fixed-wing military platforms including Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters.
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Text version
Sheet1
| Questions | Answers | |
| 1 | Surrogate platform interface requirements stipulate a 500 lb weight limit for demonstration article. Can the pod be mounted on an inboard station instead of station #4 and increase 500 lb maximum to 700 lbs? | No. 500 is the max. |
| 2 | Are there other locations where equipment may be mounted, i.e. in the aircraft? | No. All equipment will be mounted on the right-hand outboard wing station, (Pylon 4) except for the "tablet" for human interfacing |
| 3 | Can vendor equipment be installed in Right Extended Forward Avionics Bay (EFAB) shelf slot where Manned/Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) sled or Radar Electronics Unit (REU) is installed, and wiring harness installed between the shelf and vendor pod? | No. All equipment will be mounted on the right-hand outboard wing station, (Pylon 4) except for the "tablet" for human interfacing |
| 4 | Please clarify "Elements" should be section 2.2.2.3 in RFI Rev H. | An "element" is a conductive resonating component of a panel. An "element" is an antenna; when elements are grouped into a panel, they form an antenna array. |
| 5 | What are Air Worthiness Record (AWR) Safety of Flight Qualification Requirements for a pod mounted demonstration article? | AWRs are addressed on a case by case basis with the assistance of the USG. AWRs will only apply to respondents selected for demonstration. |
| 5a | Are released drawings required to secure an Airworthiness Release (AWR) for the demonstration article pod or are engineering packages from the Critical Design Review (CDR) process sufficient? RFI Section 1.0 states “United States Government (USG) will assist in the publishing of the required AWR and submission of the DD-1494 for this demonstration event.” | If CDR level documents are used, the USG may require further clarification in order to publish an AWR. AWRs will only apply to respondents selected for demonstration. |
| 6 | What kinds of Littoral Targets (Stationary and Moving) will be used and in what sea state? | For RTC developed reference scenarios: |
Littoral targets will consist of smaller vessels for shallow water. (e.g. jet skis, pontoon boats, Rigid inflatable boats etc.)
Sea states of 0 - 1 are expected.
| 7 | Will USG allow a demonstration article Center of Gravity (CG) of +/- 3 inches? We interpret Mil-Std 8591 section 5.7.1.2 allowable CG is +/- 3 inches. RFI Section 1.0 Mounting paragraph references the Mil Spec but also states a tighter requirement “CG of mounted item shall be within 1” of center between the lugs (ref Mil-Std 8591). | Per RTC guidance, the CG of the mounted test article should be held to the tighter tolerance of 1” of center between the lugs. |
| 8 | Can the demonstration article pod be mounted on the left-hand wing stations, inboard or outboard, of an AH-64 Apache? | No. The demonstration article will be mounted on the right-hand outboard wing station, (Pylon 4) except for the "tablet" for human interfacing. |
| 9 | Would a larger tablet size be acceptable? The 8” tablet size is limiting, our displays will be small and soft button controls will be difficult for operator to control. | Yes. A larger tablet can be considered during the AWR process. AWRs will only apply to respondents selected for demonstration. |
| 10 | In RFI Section 5.1, we noticed the notional schedule items 1-8 shifted. Is it anticipated that items 9, 10, and 11 will also be delayed or shifted? | It is possible that the demonstration and associated analyses will shift to the right as a result of the republication of the RFI. The execution of the schedule is at the discretion of the USG and is subject to change. |
| 11 | Are we able to shift page count between sections? In addition, can we add an additional 10 pages with a total page count not exceeding 40 pages? | No. Published page constraints are considered sufficient for respondents to address sections 2, 3, and 4. |
| 12 | Please provide classified address/POC for technical responses which are classified. | james.l.alford16.ctr@mail.smil.mil |
josiah.b.mullins.ctr@mail.smil.mil
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .